Question

What is the effect of pollution on soil?

Answer 1

Soil is the foundation of a healthy biosphere. Precipitation from air as acid rain and dry deposition of pollutants on land surface contribute to soil pollution. Pollutants combine with plant nutrients and are consumed by animals. Polluted soils unfavourably affect the microbial environment resulting in reduction in mineralization and decomposition processes. Soil fertility and aeration are also reduced, earthworms, nematodes, etc., are destroyed by toxic chemicals.